Monday, July 13

Preview: HK Models ahead by a nose on the new "Nose Art" kit of their 32nd scale Lancaster

Hong Kong Models has launched their nose into the market with an all-new kit of the Lancaster - but this is something different... If you are one of those modellers who want the 32nd scale Lancaster but do not have the space or the cash - well you can now get the nose section released as a single kit in large scale with all the drama but a 3rd of the space. See more about it in our preview...

Preview: HK Models ahead by a nose on the new "Nose Art" kit of their 32nd scale Lancaster

Avro Lancaster B Mk.I Nose Art Kit
From HK Models
Item no #01E033
1/32nd scale kit
Plastic injection moulded kit with photo-etch for seat belts included
Extra bonus clear starboard side of fuselage included
Mounting trailer included
Markings for four nose arts included
Dimensions 218mm x 12mm x 68mm
171 plastic parts
Waaaaay back in June 2018, we got the chance to build the first section of the Hong Kong Models Lancaster B Mk.I fuselage section here on TMN. We loved the kit and it went together very easily and it was plenty detailed for most modeller's tastes. We were asked by a few people 2would they just sell the nose section of the kit?" which we thought was a radical idea but a good one never the less.

Such an evocative plane, it makes sense to see this in a simple nose art edition...
The nose section of the test shot of the regular kit we build in June 2018. See this test build to find out more about how this section goes together...
Since that time we have seen the full B Mk.1 and then the "Dambusters" B. Mk III kit released in 32nd scale, now HK Models have released several CAD's showing the new kit of just that nose section, colour choices and decal sheet for the first "nose art" kit.

The CADS:
New CAd artwork showing you the exterior, the interior and the cart that the nose can be mounted on is here with us, we thought we would share it with you.

This is what the kit contains  - nose with turrets and guns, full interior and cart to mount the kit on.
The roller provided int he kit is a replica of the ones used int he factories to wheel around completed nose sections - those of you who have a bit of smarts could make a whole factory setting to match your kit!!
You can see a lot of the interior from the starboard side here, from the nose to the radioman's section everything is included.
Another view without the exterior to hide any detail. There is a lot there - whether you want to keep it as is, add some more aftermarket or scratch-build it to your exact specifications is up to the individual.
A closer view still - everything is present, though detail this nice cries for just that little bit more effort to really show off the cockpit...
 The front gun turret nose - the two browning and mounts plus ammunition belts are included.
The pilot's seat in close up. Again, look back at my test shot build to see this in plastic detail. It is good by itself, and the addition of a plethora of aftermarket means you have several ways to make your kit nowadays...
 The bomb aimers position is all there as is the front pivoting chin/ nose bubble turret
Four marking choices are supplied in this "Nose Art" boxing, and a good thing too as the nose and wonderful artwork on these Lancaster is what people buy the kit for...
Lancaster B Mk.I R5868/ OL-Q "Q for Queenie" No 83 sqn, RAF, Wyton, UK June 1943. Lancaster B I R5868 "S-Sugar" is the oldest surviving Lancaster. It was delivered to the RAF in June 1942 and flew for the remainder of the war. It originally as "Q-Queenie" with No. 83 Squadron RAF from RAF Scampton. 
Lancaster B Mk.I R5868/ PO-S "S for Sugar. with the famous dig at Goering, "No Plane WIll Ever Fly Over the Reich Territory" tagline. Originally "Q- for Queenie",  "S-Sugar" flew with No. 463 and No. 467 RAAF Squadrons from RAF Waddington. This aircraft was the first RAF heavy bomber to complete 100 operations (going on to fly 137 sorties). It is now on display at the RAF Museum.
Lancaster B MK.I, W4783/AR-G No 460 Sqn RAAF, Binbrook UK, May 1944.  "G"  for "George" from the famous 460 Squadron (Australia) Lancaster bomber 'G' George resting at Binbrook 
Lancaster B MK.I, RF128/ QB-V No 424 Sqn, RCAF, Skipton on Swale UK Spring 1943
The single Decal sheet with four different markings for three different Lancasters. Surely aftermarket sheets sales figures will go through the roof when everybody wants their own example...
The kit's vital statistics:

Avro Lancaster B Mk.I Nose Art Kit
- From HK Models
- Item no #01E033
- 1/32nd scale kit
- Plastic injection moulded kit with photo-etch for seat belts included
- Extra bonus clear starboard side of fuselage included
- Mounting trailer included
- Markings for four nose arts included
- Dimensions 218mm x 12mm x 68mm
- 171 plastic parts
- Cradle for the kit included.
This kit is in the process of being shipped to distributors right now. 

You can get more information on this kit and a list of distributors to hassle about it from the  Hong Kong Models website...